Disney+ is about to resemble the experience of endlessly scrolling through social media on your phone.

      TikTok-style vertical videos are set to debut on Disney+

      Disney+ is poised to take inspiration from the social media realm. Later this year in the US, the streaming platform will roll out vertical videos, a development that may make accessing Disney+ feel more akin to scrolling through your phone.

      This news was announced at Disney’s Tech + Data Showcase during CES 2026, where the company emphasized its desire for users to open the app daily, rather than solely when new shows are available.

      This isn’t Disney's first foray into short vertical content. Last year, the company trialed this format with Verts on the ESPN app, utilizing brief vertical videos to gauge user engagement. Insights from that initial experiment have informed the upcoming features for Disney+, where these videos are intended to keep viewers engaged longer.

      Why vertical videos are coming to Disney+

      Disney executive Erin Teague shared with Deadline that the initiative extends beyond mere trailers or promotional snippets. Disney+ will offer a diverse range of content through vertical videos, including original short-form programs, though specific details remain under wraps.

      This opens the door for formats like micro-dramas, which have gained significant popularity over the past year on various social platforms. Teague mentioned that the company is dedicated to creating a seamless experience, rather than one that feels forced.

      Disney aims for vertical video to align with how audiences, particularly younger viewers, already use their smartphones. Generation Z and Generation Alpha, in particular, are less inclined to consume long-form content on smaller screens, and Disney sees vertical video as a means of connecting with them.

      The streaming service also intends to maintain a personalized feed that evolves with time across both news and entertainment. The overarching goal is straightforward: if users develop the habit of opening Disney+, they are likely to discover new shows, engage with longer content, and maintain their subscriptions.

      Netflix

      Disney+ isn’t the sole streaming service pursuing this concept. Netflix is also experimenting with a vertical video feed, showcasing clips from its shows and movies to encourage viewers to embark on binge-watching sessions.

      Disney is also increasingly integrating AI into its strategy. The company recently revealed that select AI-generated clips from OpenAI’s Sora may appear on Disney+, although it remains unclear if AI videos will feature in the new feed.

      By merging streaming with social-style browsing, Disney+ is not only competing with Netflix but also with social media platforms that are changing the way we find what to watch next.

      Netflix enhances its offerings with more video podcasts

      Netflix has formed a significant partnership with iHeartMedia to introduce over 15 video podcasts exclusively on its streaming platform in early 2026.

      Under this multi-year agreement, Netflix will feature more than 15 of iHeart's leading podcasts as exclusive video content in the United States, with plans to broaden availability later. The lineup will include popular titles like The Breakfast Club, My Favorite Murder, Dear Chelsea, Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast, Joe and Jada, and This Is Important. As part of the deal, iHeart will provide all new video episodes alongside selected episodes from its existing catalog.

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      After watching the trailer for Disclosure Day, Spielberg’s new sci-fi film could be his best to date

      Disclosure Day appears to hold the potential to be yet another masterpiece from Steven Spielberg.

      After months of secrecy and heightened anticipation, Universal Pictures unveiled the teaser trailer for Spielberg’s latest UFO movie, titled Disclosure Day. Slated for release on June 12, 2026, the film features a cast that includes Emily Blunt (The Smashing Machine), Josh O’Connor (Wake Up Dead Man), Colin Firth (Kingsman: The Secret Service), Eve Hewson (Jay Kelly), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), and Wyatt Russell (Thunderbolts).

      While the plot details remain largely undisclosed, the film presents the intriguing question: “If you discovered we weren’t alone, and someone proved it to you, would that scare you?” Any film from Spielberg is destined to be an event, and he has already directed some of the most iconic sci-fi films in history. Early insights suggest that Disclosure Day could be his most remarkable work to date.

      I watched 47 new films this year, and here are the 8 must-see movies of 2025

      2025 has proven to be a remarkable year for cinema, showcasing exceptional films in theaters and streaming. Alongside impressive entries from established franchises like Marvel and DC, audiences have been treated to several original narratives that have captivated viewers.

      As 2025 draws to a close, there remains an opportunity to experience these films, which are undeniably some of the best of the year.